Fuel queues
While the Federal government continues to assure the populace of better days ahead, petrol scarcity has crippled socio-economic activities in across the country.
Situation reports filed by Political Economist NG reporters and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) point to rising tension and frustration among Nigerians who felt betrayed by promises of abundant fuel supply in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidy.
In Lagos, Political Economist reports that most filling stations including NNPC mega and franchise stations are without fuel. Those that have petrol only rationed it to motorists and within regulated time frames.
An NNPC station near NNPC Depot in Ejigbo, Lagos only sold to a few motorists amid growing queues and closed shop.
Most stations along Airport Road in Lagos had no fuel.
“I bought a litre for N1,500 at black market”, a motorist told Political Economist, adding, “I don’t have a choice, I needed to be on the move. Nigeria cannot stop me from advancing.”
A few stations that had fuel in Asaba, Delta State sold for above N800 per litre.
The development is also telling on the city’s socio-economic lives as many of the residents have closed their business premises, while others have suspended their planned visits to friends and relations.
NAN reports that most of the streets in the metropolis have been deserted while many motorists have abandoned their cars due to fuel scarcity.
Black market Petrol vendors have capitalised on the situation to sell a gallon of fuel at N6,000.
When contacted, the Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Kano chapter, Alhaji Gana Girigire, blamed the NNPCL for the petrol scarcity
“It is not our fault, we have sent over 100 trucks to various centers where we buy this commodity, but it is not available,” he said.
In Imo and Enugu states, the story is the same. Many filling stations have been deserted as even the fuel attendants could not be located.
The petrol scarcity has pushed up transport fares nationwide.
